Mother’s Day often means brunch. While brunch is a well-intended idea, it can be a bit stressful, with long lines and packed restaurants. How is that fun? Perhaps this year, it’s best to do something different and go beyond brunch. Trying to figure out what Mom will enjoy can be a bit of a challenge. Here is a quick guide for a day tailored to Mom’s tastes.
–Emilie Le Beau
Try a night of nostalgia and go for ice cream in an old-fashioned setting. Grumpy’s Coffee & Ice Cream Cafe has a nostalgic vibe and serves Peterson’s ice cream; coffee and gelato are also available. Open Sunday until 9 p.m. 1 Riverside Rd., Riverside; 708-443-5603.
Pack a picnic lunch and head to Blackberry Farm. This 54-acre scenic area in Aurora has museums, an arboretum and agricultural gardens. There will be horse-drawn carriage rides from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and live music from noon to 2 p.m. Open until 5 p.m. Cost is $7 for adults ($4.25 for residents); $6 for children ages 2 to 12 and seniors ($3.75 residents). Kids 2 and younger are free. 100 S. Barnes Rd., Aurora; 630-892-1550, foxvalleyparkdistrict.org.
Head to Lilacia Park in Lombard for a Concert in the Park featuring Bill O’Connell’s Chicago Skyliners. This big-band concert is set in a 8 1/2-acre park filled with lilacs where the kids can wiggle if restless. 1 p.m. Sunday, no reservations required. Park admission is $2 for non-residents, $1 for residents, free for children ages 5 and under. 150 S. Park Ave., Lombard; 630-620- 7322, lombardparks.com.
Score! Try racing as a family. At the Y-Me Race to Empower on Mother’s Day, families can run and help raise funds for patient and family support. Event includes a 5K run, and 1- and 3-mile walks. Refreshment and awards ceremony follow. Race-day registration is 6:30 to 7:30 a.m., race begins at 8 a.m. at Grant Park. $30 for adults; $15 for kids 14 and younger. 300 E. Balbo Drive; 877-963-7223, y-me.org.
Go active but easy with a day of fishing or canoeing at Skokie Lagoons. This series of seven lagoons runs alongside the Edens Highway between Lake Cook and Willow Road. Maps and park information at fpdcc.com.
Build nests for bird mothers at a Mother’s Day campfi re at the Emily Oaks Nature Center in Skokie. Learn about animal moms and their children and put together nesting kits for bird moms. Campfi re snacks included. All ages, $4 a person; advance registration appreciated. 7:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday. 4650 Brummel St., Skokie; 847-677-7001, skokieparkdistrict.org.
Enjoy art and coffee at Mercury Cafe. This 4,000-square-foot coffeehouse is decorated with art from local artists. The art rotates regularly and the cafe has large couches where visitors can relax. Also serves soup, salad, sandwiches, gelato, ice cream and pastries. Open until 8 p.m. 1505 W. Chicago Ave.; 312-455- 9924, chimercurycafe.com.
Go upscale. Sip wine at The Stained Glass Wine Bar, Bistro & Cellar. This Evanston restaurant has exposed brick walls and 32 wines available by the glass. Open until 10 p.m. Sunday, you can get half-priced wine bottles or you can bring in a bottle and the corkage fee is waived. There’s also a full menu. Reservations recommended. 1735 Benson Ave., Evanston; 847-864-8600.
Cool. Check out “Monster Camp.” This 79-minute documentary follows a group of Seattle gamers who spend a weekend playing World of Warcraft by dressing up and battling monsters. It’s … um … interesting. Four showings on Mother’s Day at 3, 5, 7 and 9 p.m. at The Facets Cinematheque.Tickets are $5 for members, $9 for non-members. 1517 W. Fullerton Ave.; 773-281-4114, facets.org.
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